WHY ENGAGE A SURVEYOR?
SELLING PROPERTY
A buyer may have to be provided with an up-to-date Surveyors Real Property Report in order to:
- Promote confidence in the purchase
- Enable mortgage arrangements
- Verify the size and extent of the property
- Avoid later legal disputes arising from inadequate or inaccurate property description
BUYING PROPERTY
Only a survey made by a licensed surveyor can legally define the boundaries in a purchase. The surveying process will undertake the necessary research, measure the property boundaries, as well as on-site features and prepare a Surveyors Real Property Report that will reveal:
- Whether others are entitled to partial use of the property through easements for utilities or rights-of- way
- Whether fences, trees, buildings, gardens, embankments, driveways, walkways, swimming pools, house additions and other property improvements actually lie on the property
- Whether the deed correctly describes the property
A Land Survey provides a form of protection in addition to clarifying what was bought, since it will reveal any encroachments or other irregularities that might be the cause of later legal disputes. In addition, the exact corners of the site can be marked with survey monuments. If no up-to-date survey exists for the property being purchased, it is highly recommended that it be made a condition of purchase that one be provided.
BUILDING, ADDING ON OR FENCING
Protect your investment by making sure you are building on your own property. A mislocated fence, driveway or carport can cause legal problems and extra construction costs. Before you build, let a licensed surveyor determine your property boundaries, replacing missing or disturbed stakes if necessary. Retaining a surveyor to layout the location of your building on site before construction begins will also ensure that you meet setback requirements and other restrictions enforced by the Municipality in their zoning By-Laws. Failure to comply with zoning By-Laws could result in the loss of a future sale if the purchasers have an up-to-date survey prepared which finds deficiencies. Mortgage lenders generally do not advance money until by-law infringements are cleared up.
SUBDIVIDING
A surveyor will check and ensure extent of title, note planning restrictions, easements and other legalities as well as provide the necessary survey documents for a 1st Application for Fee Absolute if required. A surveyor will also:
- Survey and post the site
- Prepare a plan showing topographic features
- Work with other consultants to carry out preliminary studies involving engineering, planning and environmental issues for the preparation and submission of a Draft Plan of Subdivision
- Prepare a preliminary Registered Plan of Subdivision
- Prepare and register the final Subdivision Plan along with any easement Reference Plans
REFINANCING OR OBTAINING A MORTGAGE
A mortgage company, whether it be a bank, trust company or others, may require a Land Survey before they will lend money. A Land Survey document will show the lot dimensions, easements if any, the location of buildings and their setbacks, pool and fence locations and other structures such that Zoning By-Law compliance may be determined.
SALE OR PURCHASE OF LAND
Typically your house and land represent your largest assets. If you are contemplating purchasing property, you should know as much as possible about the piece of land in which you are investing. It pays to know the boundaries. A small distance can make a big difference. The erection of a fence can be the source of expensive litigation and ill will between neighbours. Your licensed land surveyor can help you avoid disputes.
Obtaining a survey may be the most important thing you do before you close the deal on any purchase. Without a survey, you do not know the extent of your property and you are risking both good neighbour relations and your investment.
WHY USE AN ONTARIO LAND SURVEYOR?
Members of the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors have completed the necessary University academic requirements, practical instruction and a Term of Articles before licensing is granted upon successful completion of a Professional Exam, typically totalling 6 years of training in all. Once licensed, Association members are required to maintain the necessary theoretical, practical and ethical standards set by legislation and the overseeing body, the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS) through a program of Continuing Professional Development, as audited by regular peer reviews. According to Ontario Statute (The Surveys Act of Ontario and The Surveyors Act of Ontario), only surveys made by licensed Ontario Land Surveyors are legally acceptable.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
Depending on the nature and extent of the work, the costs may be as much as several thousand dollars, or more. Fees for surveys are determined on an individual basis, depending on the amount of time required to perform the work. Lot size and location can be significant factors in determining the estimate of fees and delivery time frame, which is typically prepared without cost or obligation.